If you grew up in Vidor anytime in the last half century, chances are you’ve heard of Mutt and Jeff’s.

“The Mutt and Jeff’s is a Vidor staple,” said General Manager Rachel Mayer as she gave me a history. “It was originally a part of the Vidor School District property. It was a snack bar outside the school for hot dogs, chicken patty sandwiches and such. For lunch or after school, that was the hangout.”

It closed in the early 2000s. Owner John Houseman, who is not affiliated with the original owners the Dunhams, remembers his favorite meal.

“I always got the cheeseburger with mayo, ketchup, mustard and pickles, extra salt and pepper,” he said. “Plus fries and a Coke.”

John said he opened the new Mutt and Jeff’s down the street from the school to help Vidor keep its small town identity.

“I wanted a place for people to come and reminisce,” he said. “I missed Mutt and Jeff’s. A lot of people do.”

That was obvious by the hundreds of signatures already on the walls only four weeks since the new location opened. People have also shared school memorabilia.

“We’ll eventually have it up on the walls,” Mayer said. “The heartfelt stories that people have about Mutt and Jeff’s when they come in is a huge thing.”

And don’t be surprised if you pass a tree covered in gum outside the restaurant. It was a part of the original location, and Rachel pointed out a hole all ready for their soon-to-be gum tree.

“It is a complete local tradition,” she said. “Everybody from Vidor understands what it’s for, and the meaning of it.”

Recommendations: Donna, Crystal and Taylor were dining together. A patron of the original, Donna was enthusiastic about the current interpretation.

“It’s good food and a great environment,” she said. “The hamburger and chicken strips are awesome. We could’ve split a meal.”

My melt-in-your mouth, hand-pounded chicken-fried steak was probably the largest serving of meat I’ve ever seen on a plate.

Another diner named Crystal was excited about the soon-to-be planted gum tree, and reminisced about her Mutt and Jeff experiences in high school.

“You ordered from the window, then sat on the benches to chit chat with your friends,” she said. “This is my first time to the new one. The jalapeno burger on jalapeno bread was very juicy and the seasoning is very good. I think it’s great that they are here, because it really is a part of Vidor High School history.”

My cheeseburger was huge and delicious, and the fried pickles were addictive. With the custom Mutt’s seasoning they use in everything from the meat to the batter, you can’t go wrong with pretty much anything, especially with their homemade ranch.

And although I didn’t taste it, I caught a glimpse of manager Rachel’s chef salad and got very excited — it was full of fresh spring mix. I appreciate a salad not filled with iceberg lettuce.

The drink situation: Iced tea or soda — that’s all you need. Unless you’re going hard-core and order an ice cream shake to go with that juicy burger.

Atmosphere: will make you forget you’re next door to a convenience store, yet is still completely casual. This is a family-friendly, laid back place that knows how to treat you right and serves quality food at a fair price.

Extras and Specials: Ask about the discount for Vidor teachers, seniors and police officers. Delivery will start soon to the school district. A call-in only window is also in the works.

The verdict: Delicious food, attention to detail, and lots of school spirit — this place is perfect for a meal before the game or anytime.

“I want everyone to feel like this is home, like it’s a family, like it can be the hangout, just like the old Mutt and Jeff’s was,” Mayer said.

And even though customer Billy was referring to his first school fight, I can’t say it better than he did: “Meet me at Mutt’s.”